Single-seeded hawthorn, like other hawthorns, bears white flowers in spring, followed by red fruits. Unlike other hawthorns, the flowers are sweetly scented (most hawthorn flowers have an "off" odor).
Botanical name:
Crataegus monogyna
All Common Names:
single-seeded hawthorn, oneseed hawthorn, common hawthorn
Family (English):
Rose
Family (Botanic):
Rosaceae
Planting Site:
- Residential and parks,
- Wide median
Tree or Plant Type:
- Tree
Foliage:
- Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Landscape Uses:
- Hedge,
- Specimen
Size Range:
- Medium tree (25-40 feet),
- Small tree (15-25 feet)
Mature Height:
20-30 feet
Mature Width:
20-40 feet
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Hardiness Zones:
- Zone 4,
- Zone 5 (Chicago),
- Zone 6,
- Zone 7
Soil Preference:
- Acid soil,
- Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances:
- Dry sites,
- Alkaline soil
Acid Soils:
- Prefers
Alkaline Soils:
- Tolerant
Salt Spray:
- Intolerant
Soil Salt:
- Intolerant
Drought Conditions:
- Tolerant
Poor Drainage:
- Intolerant
Planting Considerations:
- Aggressive,
- Dangerous thorns,
- May be difficult to find in nurseries
Ornamental Interest:
- Spring blossoms,
- Showy flowers
Season of Interest:
- Mid spring,
- Late spring
Flower Color & Fragrance:
- Fragrant,
- White
Shape or Form:
- Round
Growth Rate:
- Moderate
Transplants Well:
- No
Wildlife:
- Migrant birds
More Information:
Tree & Plant Care
This tree has thorns and should be sited carefully.
Disease, pests, and problems
This tree can self-seed very aggressively.
Disease, pest, and problem resistance
Tolerant of black walnut toxicity.
Native geographic location and habitat
Native to Europe and Asia.
Bark color and texture
Stems are heavily armored with thorns.
The bray bark is rough and slightly shaggy with age.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture
The simple, alternate leaves are deeply lobed and the leaf margins are toothed.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size
Creamy white flowers in flat-topped clusters. The flowers are fragrant.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions
Fruit is a red berry (pome) that persists into winter.